[Isolation of Clostridium difficile and molecular detection of binary and A/B toxins in faeces of dogs]

The aim of this study was to isolate Clostridium difficile from dogs' faeces, and to study the frequency of its virulence genes. A total of 151 samples of dogs' faeces were collected. The isolation of C. difficile was performed by using the bacterial culture methods followed by DNA extraction using boiling method. Multiplex PCR method was performed for identification of tcdA, tcdB, cdtA and cdtB genes and single method was carried out for detection of tcdC. Twelve samples [7.9%] were positive in bacteriological assay and based on molecular assay, 66.7% of the isolates [8 of 12 C. difficile isolated] had shown tcdA[+], tcdB[+] profile. This is the first investigation on molecular assay of C. difficile in Iran's dog population

[Effect of Methadone therapy on QTc interval in electrocardiogram of opioid addicted patients]

Methadone is a synthetic opioid which is used in opium addiction therapy and relief of acute and chronic pain. Side effects of Methadone were reported on heart and induction of Torsade De Pointes disease and increase QTc interval in electrocardiogram. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Methadone therapy on QTc interval in electrocardiogram and its relationship with dosage and duration of Methadone therapy.This cohort study was conducted on 60 opium addicted patients [57 males, 3 females] whom referred to "Methadone Therapy Clinic" in 5 Azar teaching hospital in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2009-10. Patients were divided to three groups based on the dosage of methadone: 0-35 mg [27 cases], 35-55 mg [27 cases] and 55-120 mg [26 cases] per day. QTc interval in electrocardiogram was measured at the beginning of study, one month and 5 months afterward. The mean +/- SD of QTc interval in patients at the beginning, one month and 5 months afterward of study was 0.42 +/- 0.027, 0.43 +/- 0.029 and 0.43 +/- 0.041 seconds, respectively. There was a significant increase in QTc interval after one month of methadone therapy, compared to the beginning of study. There was no significant difference in QTc interval between 1 month and 5 months following methadone therapy. There was no significant difference between QTc interval and different dosage of methadone. Methadone therapy increase QTc interval but there is not any relationship between dosage and duration of methadone therapy and QTc interval

Personality characteristics in migraine and tension headache in Gorgan, Iran [2007-08]

Headache is one the most common compliant of patients and has different causes and the migraine and tension headaches are common. Personality is characteristics forming an individual distinctive manner. This study aimed to determine the frequency and association of different types of personality characteristics in patients with migraine and tension headaches. This descriptive-analytic study was done on 160 [12 male and 148 female] subjects with chief complaint of headache whome referred to 5th Azar clinics of Gorgan, Iran during 2007-08. Subjects were selected by simple random sampling and were examined by either a neurologist or psychiatrist patient with diagnosis migraine either of or tension headache were included. Selected patients evaluated by short form of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory [MMPI]. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and Chi-Square test. The mean age was 11.18 +/- 33.29 in women and 34.33 +/- 13.7 in men. 96 patients [60%] had tension headache and 64 [41.2%] had migraine. In tension headache, depressed personality [43.8%] and hysterical personality [16.4%] were more common but in migraine headache, depressed personality [48.9%] and paranoid personality [20%] were common but this difference was not significant. This study showed that there is no relation between personality characteristics with tension headach and migraine

Evaluation of the effect of different glass fiber post lengths on fracture resistance of endodontically treated central incisors

Use of glass fiber posts is of widespread acceptance in restoring root canal treated teeth, but studies concerning the most proper length of the post to provide the utmost fracture resistance are inadequate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glass fiber post length on fracture resistance of root canal treated central incisors. This experimental study was carried out on 40 maxillary central incisors in 4 groups of 10 each. RDT posts and cement was used in this experimental study with the lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm in the study groups. The samples were debrided and decoronated at the CEJ levels and endodontically treated using step-back technique. RDT drills were used for post space preparation. Then, the root canal walls were etched and the posts cemented in place. The composite cores were then prepared at the height of 5 mm and samples mounted 2mm down to their CEJ levels within acrylic blocks. An impression material [Impregum, 3M, ESPE] with a thickness of 0.2mm was used to simulate PDL around the samples. The samples were subjected to compressive forces at a 135-degree angle to their long axes using a Universal Testing Machine. Data pertaining to the fracture of the samples were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. The maximum resistance to fracture was recorded in 8-and 10-mm-long posts and the minimum was observed in the lengths of 6 and 12 mm. Statistical tests showed a significant difference between 8- and 10-mm-long posts with those having lengths of 6 and 12 mm in terms of fracture resistance. There was no significant difference between 8- and 10-mm-long posts as well as 6- and 12-mm-long ones. It can be concluded that the length of post is influential in the fracture resistance of the root so that the maximal resistance can be obtained in 8 to 10 mm of length and such lengths can be recommended for non-metal posts

[Comparison of glaze or polish on dental porcelain's surface roughness]

Surface roughness of dental restorations can reduce the biological properties and wear the opposite. The goal of this investigation was comparing these process effects on the surface roughness of porcelain. In this experimental study, 20 Noritake porcelain disks of 1 cm diameter and 2-2.5 mm thickness with non-percious metal base were fabricated. All samples were finished with medium grit silicone disk and then randomly divided into four groups [n=5]. In the first group, the samples were self glazed. In the second group, the samples were polished [EVE Polisher Kit]. In the third group, after self glazing with a coarse grit stone, the self glaze layer was omitted, then reglazed. The fourth group was similar to the third group, but in the end stage a polishing kit was used. Samples were evaluated with Profilometer and then with SEM. As a result of normal distribution of the data, One-Way analysis of variance [ANOVA] was used for statistical analysis. The mean roughness for the glazed group was 1.06 +/- 0.0547; the polished group, 0.92 +/- 0.1304; the reglazed group, 1.22 +/- 1304; and the polished after glaze group 1.14 +/- 0.1342. The polished and polished after glaze groups had a round shape in 100%, but the glazed and reglazed groups had a sharp shape in 60%. The polished surface is less rough compared to the glazed surface and in the polish after glaze group, the surface of the porcelain is less rough compared to the reglaze group

Shiraz hospitals [public and private] preparedness in dealing with disasters

Iran is a disaster-prone country and it can be considered as one of the most vulnerable countries for disasters in the world. Hospitals play an important role in disasters. This paper aims to study the preparedness of public and private hospitals in Shiraz dealing with disasters; to investigate and to identify problems and issues comparing current status with standards. In this cross-sectional study, 15 public and private hospitals were evaluated in Shiraz in 2010. The data was collected by using observation, interview and also a checklist including 10 fields and 220 questions. Then the collected data were analyzed by using SPSS. Totally, the results are as follows: the average disaster preparedness in the mentioned hospitals was 62/3%; evacuation, transport, traffic, communication and security fields were in the middle level; and emergency services, reception, training, logistics, human resources, commanding and management were in a good average level. Despite having an adequate preparation in the studied hospitals in Shiraz, appropriate measures should be taken to improve some fields such as evacuation, transport, traffic, communication, and security

Effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum on virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of important opportunistic pathogen, that cases serious infections. It produces many virulence factors, and this bacterium usually is resistance against antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of sub-MICs of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum on alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in P. aeruginosa 8821M. Minimal inhibitory concentrations [MIC] of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum were determined by macrodilution method. Alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in the present of sub-MICs [1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 MIC] of essential oils were determined in mucoid P. aeruginosa 8821M and compared with controls. The MICs of essential oils against P. aeruginosa for M. spicata and C. cyminum oils were obtained 16 and 32 micro g/ml respectively. The results show that all oils at 1/2 and 1/4 MICs were significantly reduced all tested virulence factors. At 1/8 MICs, M. spicata had effect just on adhesion but C. cyminum had effect on Alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming and twitching. This study showed that sub-MIC levels of M. spicata and C. cyminum essential oils affected alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in P. aeruginosa 8821M and it is probable to use of these medicinal plants for treating

Rectovaginal fistula and atresia ani in a kitten: a case report

Rectovaginal fistula with atresia ani is a congenital condition that affects the anal opening and rectum by the formation of an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina. This was diagnosed in a domestic short hair kitten. The presenting physical abnormalities included depression, dehydration, partial tail agenesis, anal atresia and a discharge of watery feces from the vaginal opening. The kitten died before surgery because of her poor general condition. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis that was proposed after the clinical and radiographic findings

[Prevalence of anti-HCV antibody and related risk factors among bleeding disorder patients in Yazd province of Iran]

Inherited bleeding disorder is a disease due to deficiency in clotting factors or platelets. Replacement therapy of unscreened blood and blood products or unviricidal concentrated clotting factors would expose these patients to risk of acquired hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus and related risk factors among bleeding disorder patients in Yazd province. This cross-sectional study was performed in Yazd province in summer 2006 using census method. Following data collection through questionnaires, blood samples were taken from 77 [82.8%] patients. Plasma samples were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibody via a third-generation ELISA kit. To exclude false positive cases, ELISA positive samples were re-tested by the confirmatory third generation RIBA test. The assessment of risk factors was done from the information analysis of both the questionnaires and test results by Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis, using SPSS 11.5 statistic software. The frequency of anti-HCV antibody was found in 38 [49.4%] patients. Chi-square test showed a statistically significant relationship between the severe form of the disease [in terms of blood products needed] [P<0.001], treatment duration of more than 121 months [P<0.001] and family history to HCV [P<0.05] antibody positivity. Successful execution of the screening of the blood and blood products as well as more scrutiny in preparing concentrated factors have been led to a remarkable decrease in the new infections among the recipients of these products in Yazd province

[Evaluation of three cement type on FRC post retention]

One of the challenges of restoring endodontically treated teeth with fiber reinforced composite [FRC] posts is their debonding from root canal dentin. Different factors such as cement type, effect the post retention. According to the controversies in this regard, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of three luting cements on retention of FRC posts in the root canal. In this in-vitro study 30 selected root canal treated premolar teeth were randomly allocated to three experimental groups. After post space preparation, RTD fiber posts, with 10mm length and 2 mm diameter, were cemented in the canal with one of the following luting agents: zinc phosphate [Harvard], Glass-Ionomer [GC] and resin cement Maxcem [Kerr]. They were then fixed and force was applied using Instron 5500 machine. The Data was subjected to ANOVA for statistical analysis. The observed retention in studied groups was as follows: resin cement 127 +/- 18.5 [MPa], zinc phosphate 102 +/- 29.7 [MPa] and glass-ionomer 51 +/- 14.8 [MPa]. In order to increase the retention of FRC posts, cementation with resin cements is recommended

Frequency of Helicobacter pylori vacA genotypes in Iranian patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer

Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for developing chronic peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of Helicobacter pylori vacA genotypes in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer. A total of 100 biopsy specimens of patients with gastric [n = 50] and duodenal [n = 50] ulcer were collected. The specimens were cultured on selective media and incubated in a microaerophilic atmosphere at 37°C for 5-10 days. The isolates were characterized to species level by conventional biochemical tests. The extracted DNA from isolates was used to perform a polymerase chain reaction based, simultaneous analysis of the cagA status, allelic variation of the signal regions [s1, s2] and the middle regions [m1, m2] of the vacA gene. H. pylori isolated from 50 specimens of patients and the vacA gene was detected in all isolates. Among vacA genotypes the s1/m1 was the most common in H. pylori isolates from patients with gastric ulcer [56%] and duodenal ulcer [68%]. This study demonstrated that vacA slml is common genotype of H. pylori in patients with peptic ulcer and the vacA allele s1 of this bacterium is associated with ulcer

prevalence of obligatory anaerobic bacteria in oral cavity infections

Many infections of the oral cavity and adjacent structures involve anaerobic bacteria. Most infections involve multiple anaerobes and in many instances facultative organisms. Present study was conducted regarding to clinical aspects and complications of anaerobic bacterial infections in oral cavity. 72 Specimens were taken from oral cavity infections. Routine culture techniques and strict anaerobic techniques were used for isolation and identification of aerobic, facultative and obligatory anaerobic bacteria respectively. Cultures of all specimens were positive. Mono- bacterial and poly bacterial infections were repored in 1/3 and 2/3 of specimens, respectively. More than 65% of isolated organisms, were obligatory anaerobic belonging to the Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, Fusobacterium Porphyromonas and Bacteriodes as well as facultative and aerobic species include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus interobacteriacea and Actinomes Israelii are also obtained. Many infections of the oral cavity and adjacent structures involve obligatory anaerobic bacteria. Regarding to results of present study, under the anaerobic atmospheric system, obligatory anaerobic bacteria were isolated and identified from clinical specimens of oral cavity infections, especially abscesses

Effect of ferrule on fracture resistance in endodontically treated teeth that were restored with bonded posts and cores

A dowel in an endodontically treated tooth could transfer occlusal forces intraradicularly which may increase the vertical root fracture susceptibility. Ferrule is one of the methods by which tooth structure can be reinforced. Thirty freshly extracted central incisors were endodontically treated. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups. Those in the control group were treated using prefabricated post and composite core [with no ferrule], and the teeth in test group were treated with similar prefabricated posts and cores while having two mm ferrule height. All teeth were restored with full metal crowns. The specimens were mounted on a universal testing machine and a compressive load was applied to the long axis of the teeth until fracture occurred. There was a significant difference between the ferrule and non-ferrule groups [P < 0.000]. The mean for ferrule group was 584N, while this value was 194N in non-ferrule group. The ferrule effect increases the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth that are restored with bonded post and cores

Prevalence of Epstein BARR virus infection and effecting factors in renal allograft recipients for controlling PTLD in imam khomeini hospital from 2001 to 2004

EBV is categorized as Herpesviridans and by nature is a Lymph crypto Virus. Studies have demonstrated that EBV will infect 80 to 90 percent of patients during the first year and there is a close relation between kidney malfunction and EBV infection. Reactivation of the virus excites the immune system, and ultimately leads to rejection of kidney. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and identiiy the affecting factors of EBV infection among renal allograft recipients. This descriptive study was conducted on 68 renal allograft recipients hospitalized in Imam Khomeini medical center from 2001 to 2004. Blood sample was taken from subjects before kidney transplantation and it was being taken every 3 months during the first year after transplantation. Elisa Serologic tests were implemented to determine the antibody virus EBV antigens, such as VCAIgM, VCAIgG and EBNAIgG. Information about patients was obtained from their medical records and necessary forms were filled. Types of prescribed immunosuppressive agents and the status of kidney rejection was c/osefy observed to identify the factors affecting rejection. This study showed that EBV infection was previously developed in 85.3%of subjects [58 patients] and Active Infection was found in 14. 7% of subjects [10 patients]. EBV Seronegativity and Primary infection was not found in this sturdy. Active infection and secondary EBV was detected in 58.8% of subjects [40 patients] during the first year after transplantation. 95.6% [65 of recipients] before transplantation were seropositive for EBNAIgG and after transplantation, 100% [All of them] were positive. 92.6% [63 of recipients] before transplantation were seropositive forVCAIgG and after transplantation, 96.9% [66 of them] were positive. 95.6% of recipients [65 of them] were seropositive for EBNAIgG before transplantation, while after transplantation the rate was 100% [all of the recipients]. Active and secondary infection was detected in 65.8% of recipients [23 patients] receiving Cyclosporine, Prednisolone and Azatioprine and in 33.3%of patients receiving Cyclosporine, Prednisolone and MMF and in 57.9%of patients receivingCyclosporine and Prednisolone. During the first year after transplantation 19 of patients developed an acute rejection of which 6 [31.5%] had history of previous infection and the rest 13 [68.5%] were infected by active virus. On comparison of this group with those who did not develop acute rejection, there was no statistical significant relation between type of infection and the rate of the acute rejection. Although reactivated EBV was detected in 53.9% of recipients [14 of them] who were treated by ALG, there was no statistical significant difference from those 27 recipients who did not get ALG. Just like other countries, this study indicates the activity pattern, in which this virus develops from hidden to active and then secondary during the time axis after transplantation. To determine the cause of reactivation of virus and secondary EBV, all related affecting factors such as ALG, acute rejection and immunosuppressive drugs were studied, but none of them played an effective role in reactivation of the virus

[ prevalence and molecular characterization of vancomycin resistant gram positive cocci isolated from patients in Tehran]

Gram positive bacteria, particularly, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staphylococci and enterococci are of particular concern in hospitals. But there has been increasing concern about the development of vancomycin resistant enterococci and MRSA strains with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin over the last decade. Therefore, the present study was carried out to confirm the identification of vancomycin resistant gram positive cocci, to determine antibiotic resistance pattern and to study vancomycin resistance genes. The isolates from clinical samples were collected from hospitalized patients and outpatients in Tehran. Gram positive cocci species identification was performed by using conventional tests and PCR using specific primers. VRE isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, MICs of vancomycin were determined by the E-test method. Determination of vancomycin resistance genes, vanA and vanB were performed with PCR. Confirmation of transposons was performed with specific primers for vanS. Out of 1030 gram positive isolates, none of the staphylococci or streptococci isolates were resistant to vancomycin. Most of vancomycin resistant isolates in this study were VRE. faecium [96%] and harbored vanA. All of the isolates were positive for vanS the conserved fragment of transposon and carried the identical digestion pattern like type strain. According to the results of this study, all of the vancomycin resistant isolates were enterococcus spp. Vancomycin resistant enterococci itself is now a major and largely untreatable infection, and can pass the vancomycin resistance genes to the other highly virulent gram positive cocci

[Comparing the anxiety between adolescents living in parental home and those living in institutions]

With regard the high prevalence of anxiety in adolescents and the influence of environment on it, this research was designed to evaluate and compare the anxiety level between the adolescents who living in parenteral home and those who were institutionalized. The number of samples was 268 [134 in parenteral home and 134 in institutionalized group]. The Cattell Anxiety Questionnaires was used as the device of study. The statistical analysis was performed by the significance bearing discrepancy between two independent ratios [z test]. The results showed meaningful difference in sever anxiety scores between adolescents living in parental home and in institutions, a significant difference between boys within different life place [P<0.01] and girls within those groups was observed [P<0.001]. Also meaningful difference between boys and girls without considering their life place in moderate [P<0.04] and severe anxiety scores was demonstrated [P<0.001]. The results suggest that institutionalized adolescents and girls are more sensitive to anxiety

Prevalence of clostridium difficile- associated diarrhean in hospitalized patients with nosocomial diarrhea

Clostridium difficile is a frequently identified cause of nosocomial gastrointestinal disease. It has been proved to be a causative agent in antibiotic-associated diarrhea, antibiotic-associated colitis, and pseudomembraneous colitis. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of C.difficile- associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients with nosocomial diarrhea. The 942 hospitalized patients stool samples with nosocomial diarrhea were collected at three hospitals in Tehran from Dec 2002 to Feb 2004.All the stool samples were cultured and in 97 [prevalence: 10.9%] samples grew C.difficile that 57 [prevalence: 6.1%] isolates were toxigenic by cytotoxicity assay and so 57 patients had C.difficile- associated diarrhea. Results of statistical analysis showed significant difference between the rate of C.difficile associated diarrhea and the patients ages [P<0.05]

Study of tuberculous infection rate in townships in a Centeral Province of Iran

Tuberculosis is a continuous threat for health in all parts of the world. An estimated one-third of the world' s population is infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 7 to 8 million people develop TB disease each year. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of tuberculosis in the townships of Yazd province, Iran. During the study period [19971999], 3885 suspected tuberculosis patients [1820 males and 2065 females; aged 8-85 years] who had been referred to the Yazd referral polyclinic were investigated by Ziehl Neelsen staining and culture method and questionnaire was completed for each subject. Then, Collected data were analyzed by statistical package for social science [SPSS] and chi-square program. The results show that, of the total suspected tuberculosis, 604 cases were found to be positive for tuberculosis. The average annual rate of tuberculosis was 26.8 cases per 100000 population [23.1/100000 males and 31/100000 females]. The highest and lowest rates of tuberculosis were observed among Sadough [78.1/100000] and Abarkouh townships population [19.8/100000] and also among age group >/= 50 years old [111/100000] and < 10 years old [7/100000], respectively. The average annual rates of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in Yazd province were 152 cases [20.2%] and 48 cases [6.4%], respectively. It seems that, despite the efforts, which have been done for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients with tuberculosis, it is still considered as a threat for health in the Yazd province, Iran

Factors involved in the re-emergence of malaria in borderline of Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

The borderline of Iran with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey had been considered a malaria free region. However, in 1991, after the independence of the southern countries of the former Soviet Union, a new threat of malaria importation emerged from those countries into Iran, which was affected by serious epidemics of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Various factors can affect malaria resurgence in this region, such as socioeconomic conditions, especially the displacement of massive populations from war-stricken zones in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Accordingly, in some parts of West-Azerbaijan, East-Azerbaijan, Ardebile and Gilan provinces of Iran, several malaria foci were observed. Construction of dams, people traveling from neighboring countries to Iran, urbanization, irrigation projects, lack of malaria vector control, shortage of drug supplies are also major factors in malaria outbreaks in the region. An investigation was carried out on the bionomics of the main malaria vectors in the region. The result showed that Anopheles sacharovi plays an important role in malaria transmission and An. maculipennis and An. superpictus can be secondary vectors. Larvae were found in slow flowing water and channels with water plants. They were more abundant in June. The parity rate of blood-fed females was high in May. An. sacharovi is active from May to October with two peaks of activity, which occur in August and October. The population of this species is higher in animal shelters with a zoophicity of 95%. About 90% of bites took place in the second half of the night. A CDC light trap can also catch this species. Susceptibility testing using the WHO-recommended diagnostic doses of insecticides, revealed that this species is resistant to DDT and dieldrin, but susceptible to malathion, fenitrothion, propoxur, bendiocarb, lambdacyhalothrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin, etofenprox and deltamethrin.

Prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma genitalium in men with non-gonococcal urethritis

This study in Teheran, Islamic Republic of Iran, investigated the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma species in men with non-gonococcal urethritis. Urethral swab samples were collected from 125 cases and 125 healthy men as a control group. The samples were then investigated by culture methods. The rates of detected bacteria in case and control groups were 19.2% and 7.2% for U. urealyticum, 7.2% and 0.8% for M. genitalium, and 2.4% and 1.6% for M. hominis respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between case and control groups in the prevalence of U. urealyticum and M. genitalium but not M. hominis. It is concluded that in men, U. urealyticum and M. genitalium may have an etiologic role in non-gonococcal urethritis